Boos and applause

July 20, 2013

- Applause to the beginning of construction on the latest section of Corridor H, a 20-mile stretch from Davis to Scherr Mountain. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, with state and county officials singing the praises of Corridor H and the positive effects it will have on the area once completed.

- Applause to the J.F. Allen Company's new de-icing salt facility, which was showcased in a grand opening ceremony Tuesday. The facility - which has the capacity to hold 35,000 tons of salt - is expected to bring more than $4 million in annual economic benefits to Randolph County.

- Applause to the proposal heard by Philippi City Council this week to create a welcome center in the downtown area, showcasing the historic Philippi Covered Bridge. The innovative plan was presented by the Northern West Virginia Ground Field Assistance Service, created by the state Legislature to help redevelop used or abandoned sites.

- Applause to the area Babe Ruth and Little League All-Star teams heading to tournaments in the coming days. The Elkins and Tygart Valley 11-12-year-old Little League All-Stars are going to South Charleston for state tournament play, while the Elkins 14-year-old and 15-year-old Babe Ruth squads are traveling to Indiana and Ohio, respectively, for the Ohio Valley Regional tournaments.

- Boo to drug and alcohol abuse, which causes so much destruction in our communities. Just this week, a man was arrested for allegedly holding up a Parsons pharmacist at gunpoint for drugs Tuesday. One day later, a 19-year-old Buckhannon man was arrested for allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase through the streets of Elkins and up the Beverly Five-lane while under the influence, reportedly reaching speeds of 120 mph. Thankfully, no one was hurt in these incidents, but they are a frightening example of the damage substance abuse wreaks on lives.